【 Maple Viewing in Kyushu 】The best time to enjoy autumn leaves depends on the right timing, location, and atmosphere. The maple foliage in the Chugoku and Kyushu regions, located in the southern and western parts of Japan, is always the last to bloom, allowing travelers to catch the final stage of the season. If you want to seize the last chance to admire a sea of red leaves, southern Japan is the place to be. We’ve compiled seven great spots for maple viewing in Kyushu, along with predicted foliage periods—book your trip now!
Predicted Best Time to View Maple Leaves
Kyushu and Shikoku: mid-November to mid-December
Last year, the maple leaves across Japan bloomed gradually from October 17 to November 23. In areas like Kyushu and Shikoku, the foliage generally appears later, with predictions for gradual blooming between mid-November and mid-December.
? Hokkaido: early October – early November
? Tohoku: early October – mid-November
? Kanto: late November – late December
? Kansai, Tokai, and Hokuriku: early November – early December
? Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu: early November – mid-December
Kirishima Shrine, the largest shrine in southern Kyushu, attracts many visitors for both maple viewing and worship during the foliage season.
The highest peak in the San'in-Sanyo region: Mount Daisen | Tottori Daisen
Ninpuuro, Fukuoka Tsutsumi, and Uchide Park are all popular maple viewing spots in Tottori Prefecture. Among them, Tottori Daisen, standing at 1,709 meters, is the highest peak in the San'in-Sanyo region. Its foliage season begins in late October, when the entire mountaintop turns vibrant shades of red and yellow, creating a stunning, oil-painting-like landscape.
Located in Tottori City, Ninpuukaku is a Western-style building constructed on the ruins of Tottori Castle by the former lord of the Tottori Domain, Marquis Ikeda Nagaaki. It is also one of the top maple viewing spots in the prefecture.
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Tottori Daisen
? Maple Viewing Season: late October to late November
? Address: Daisen, Saihaku District, Tottori
? Transportation: From Shin-Osaka, take the Nozomi Shinkansen for about 50 minutes; get off at Okayama Station, then transfer to the JR Hakubi Line (limited express) for about 2 hours and get off at Yonago Station; finally, take a bus bound for Daisen to arrive in about 50 minutes.
River Valley Natural Scenery | Kamae Gorge in Kami City
Located in Kamae, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan, Kamae Gorge stretches 5 kilometers and is a steep valley composed of weathered limestone and surrounding mountains. It is renowned for its natural scenery and rock formations, attracting many visitors. The best period for autumn foliage is from late October to late November, though this year it is expected to peak in early November due to temperatures. The gorge features numerous walking trails and suspension bridges, offering views of the surrounding forests painted in reds and yellows, instantly washing away your worries.
Kamae Gorge in Kami City
? Autumn Foliage Season: Late November to Late December
? Address: Kamae, Muko Town, Kami City
? Transportation: About a 60-minute drive from JR Tosayamada Station.
Gorgeous Garden | Saga Kyūnen’an
Kyūnen’an, which took nine years to complete starting from Meiji 33 (1900), was originally owned by Japanese industrialist Itami Yatarō and later designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. The garden spans an expansive 6,800 square meters and is only open twice a year (spring and autumn), each time for just nine days, making it a limited-time autumn foliage destination in Japan. It draws many visitors each year who come to enjoy the foliage and admire the garden’s exquisite design.
Saga Kyūnen’an
? Autumn Foliage Season: Mid-November to Late November
? Address: 1696 Kamitsuma, Kamitsuma-chō, Saga Prefecture
? Transportation: Get off at Kamitsuma Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line, then take the Showa Bus (bound for Kyūnen’an) and get off at the final stop; about a 10-minute ride.
Mountain Forest Scenery with Sparkling Lakeside | Kinrin Lake
Kinrin Lake is a must-visit spot for autumn foliage in Kyushu. The lake gets its name “Kinrin” (Golden Scale) because sunlight reflects off the fish scales on the water’s surface, creating a sparkling effect.
It feels like stepping into a world from a Studio Ghibli animation.
Kinrin Lake
? Address: Kawakami, Yufuin-chō, Yufu City, Ōita Prefecture
?Transportation: 30-minute walk from Yufuin Station on the JR Kyushu Line
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The giant waterfall spectacle of the "Niagara of the Orient" | Kagoshima's Sogigawa Falls Park
In Isa City, Kagoshima, there is a waterfall park—Sogigawa Falls Park—home to the Sogigawa Falls, known as the "Niagara of the Orient." Spanning 210 meters in width and 12 meters in height, the view is truly spectacular.
The Sogigawa Falls, known as the "Niagara of the Orient," can be seen in Kagoshima, though it is located away from the city center.
?Ki no Sato Park
Address: 628-41 Okaminohito, Oosaka, Isa City, Kagoshima 895-2526
Transportation:
1. Take the JR Kyushu Kurobe Line/Kimotsuki Line to Yūsui Town from either Yukuhashi or Yoshimatsu Stations
2. About a 1-hour drive from JR Kyushu Shin-Mizuma Station
Lovers holding hands to admire the maple leaves | Saga’s Daikōzenji Temple
Daikōzenji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, offers azaleas to view from mid-April to early May, and maple leaves from mid-November to early December. It is also recognized as Japan’s 115th official "Lover’s Sanctuary." A statue of Kannon on Mount Kei within the temple grounds is said to be very effective for those praying for love, attracting many couples hoping to find romance. To reach the temple, you must climb a long flight of stairs—though it may leave you breathless, the view of the orange-red maple leaves in autumn makes it all worthwhile！
The long stairway and temple scenery you must photograph in Japan.
Daikōzenji Temple
Maple viewing season: mid-November to early December
Address: 3628 Sonobe, Kiyama Town, Miyaki District, Saga Prefecture
Business hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; during the maple viewing season, lighting up until 8 pm
Admission: Adults ¥300, students ¥100
Azalea and maple leaf seasons: Adults ¥500, students ¥300
Transportation: About 10 minutes by taxi from Kiyama Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line; during azalea and maple leaf seasons, a shuttle bus runs directly from JR Kiyama Station to Daiseisan Temple
The largest shrine in southern Kyushu | Kirishima Jingu
Southern Japan actually has many famous maple viewing spots, including: Hyuga Shinkyo, Mifuneyama Rakuen, and Kuju-an, all of which are packed every year. But the most popular in southern Japan is undoubtedly Kirishima Jingu. The mysterious atmosphere of the shrine’s path complements the red leaves dancing in mid-air, and the vivid color contrast makes visitors pause and pay their respects. Though it is a solemn place, various events are held during major holidays, including the Kirishima International Music Festival, where you can enjoy music.
Kirishima Jingu
Maple viewing season: early November to mid-December
Address: 2608-5 Kirishimadaguchi, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
Transportation: Take a bus from Kirishima Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Line, about a 10-minute ride.
For this autumn getaway, head to Kyushu to enjoy the maple leaves in the south of Japan. Although the yen has recently strengthened, Kyushu is still much more affordable compared to big cities like Tokyo and Osaka—whether it’s Fukuoka, Kagoshima, or Saga, there are plenty of beautiful sights and delicious food to enjoy.
This article is republished with permission fromHong Kong 01, originally published in01 Travel/01 Food.